A Cleveland man has been charged with a serious crime: conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin and cocaine. Roland M. Smith, 42, faces one count of conspiring to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl, 100 grams of heroin and 500 grams of cocaine.
The investigation, led by the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force, revealed a shocking web of illegal activity. Smith’s alleged involvement in distributing these deadly substances has sent shockwaves through the community.
The charges against Smith seek to forfeit a Kal-Tech .22 pistol and various sizes of ammunition seized on April 27, 2016. This is a significant development in the ongoing fight against organized crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Pinjuh is leading the prosecution of this case. The investigation has been a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies, and their hard work has brought us to this point.
If convicted, the court will determine Smith’s sentence after a review of factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum. In most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
A charge is not evidence of guilt. Smith is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of the opioid epidemic and the need for continued vigilance in the fight against organized crime. The people of Cleveland and Ohio deserve to feel safe in their community, and we will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
Defendant: Roland M. Smith
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin and cocaine
City and State: Cleveland, Ohio
Crime Date: April 27, 2016
Sentence: Pending
Related Federal Cases
- Roderick Cross Jr., Distribution of Cocaine Laced with Fentanyl, Ohio 2024 · Wisconsin
- Roderick Cross Jr., Fentanyl Distribution, Ohio 2024 · Ohio
- Roderick Cross Jr., Distribution of Crack Cocaine, Cocaine, and Fentanyl, Ohio 2025 · Kentucky
- Siarres R. Noble, Fentanyl Distribution, Ohio 2013 · Michigan
- Michael Howard, Fentanyl Distribution, Ohio 2024 · Kentucky
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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